“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15

Even Now…

I was recently musing on a few saints I know and pray for that are going through incredibly difficult times with health, finances, grief, a safe place to live, and mental and emotional challenges. Some have endured a long time in this condition. Many prayers have been said and I know these prayers are heard by a faithful and compassionate God. And yet the testing, temptation, and trials continue seemingly unabated. What are we to make of this?

I attended a conference once in which the takeaway quote for me was, “God sometimes permits that which He hates in order to accomplish that which He loves.” I regret that I did not write down who originally penned that thought.

That concept expanded in my mind. That is a description of the cross. God has a higher vision. God seeks the ultimate good and the fullness of glory. God has a purpose in all that He does.

As men read Scripture throughout long ago ages, no one saw what was to come. No one who watched the brutal pain and suffering of that dark and terrible day understood. It seemed a denial of God’s plan. It seemed a horrific defeat. Mary’s heart broke. The disciples trembled in fear for their own lives. Confusion overcame them. Yet the cross has meant eternal salvation and perfect redemption for millions of souls. Souls just like yours and mine.

In the storm, in the darkness, in the chaos, in the doubt and questioning, we must trust His heart to accomplish a glorious purpose. A purpose we cannot see. We are not able in the moment to see any good thing, yet we can hold fast to His divine goodness and ever trust that His eternal purpose will be glorious.

“Father, we pray You would meet the heartbroken and suffering with peace of heart and mind—that even now they might be assured of Your presence and Your constant love. May their faith grow stronger and their hope brighter as they wait on You. In the Name of Jesus who endured the cross because of love for us. Your love never fails. Amen.”